With its mild weather and abundance of wildlife, Florida’s nature coast is a dream for outdoor lovers and RVers. Our family has spent three winters RVing in Florida, and this is our favorite area because we love Florida’s natural springs. Keep reading for tips on visiting and our favorite place to stay.
If you’ve never experienced a natural spring in Florida, it will change your life! Florida boasts over 1,000 natural springs and most are crystal clear making them perfect for paddling, snorkeling, and even diving! The springs are a constant 72 degrees and host a plethora of wildlife. In the winter months, manatees flock to the springs to keep warm when the ocean temperatures are cooler.
Our favorite springs are all easily accessible with parking lots and inexpensive to visit. We recommend going in the morning and packing lunch so you can spend the whole day in the beauty of the springs. Even if you don’t want to get in the water, you should definitely check out the beauty and peace of the Florida springs from the banks.
State Parks
Manatee Springs State Park is open for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and kayaking. You can enter the springs from two sets of stairs that descend right into the water or take advantage of one of the patio areas to view the spring from above. We have always spotted manatees when we visit here, including baby manatees that are very curious about swimmers. There is a great little concession stand right by the springs that serves a rotating menu of items like pulled pork tacos, nachos, chili, and ice cream so you can grab a bite after working up an appetite swimming.
Ichetucknee Springs State Park has an amazing spring run river that you can float or paddle down. It feels like you’ve been transported to a tropical oasis full of turtles, manatees, fish, birds, and yes, even alligators. We’ve found that the gators seem to keep to themselves, but always be alert of your surroundings. There are multiple places to exit the water, so you can plan for anywhere from 1-3 hours. There is even a shuttle that will drop you off at the top for a fee, so you don’t have to worry about taking multiple vehicles.
Fanning Springs State Park is located in the heart of Old Town, FL, and feeds the Suwannee River. It has a fully enclosed floating dock with steps that lead into the water. It’s fairly shallow depending on the river’s water level and the bottom is soft sand. We love to dive down to the spring boil where the water enters the spring from the ground. There are also groups that complete scuba diving classes and certifications so be on the lookout for divers. It also has a beautiful boardwalk path and picnic area if you don’t want to get wet.
RV Resort
When visiting the Nature Coast our very favorite RV resort is Black Prong. It’s located just outside Bronson, FL, and neighbors the Goethe Forest state park. The resort is only 30 minutes from the springs--that is, if you ever even want to leave the property! With over 90 acres of lush naturally landscaped property, the resort has full hook up RV sites. Afew of them are even covered.
They have virtually every amenity you could want for a relaxing stay. We spent our afternoons at the resort style pool and spa. With an enormous pool deck and plenty of umbrella-shaded lounge chairs, bring your book or your pool float and be ready to chill. If you like to stay active on vacation, take advantage of their full gym, or head out onto the trails that lead directly into the to the Goethe State forest from the property.
Once you’ve had your fill of sun on the pool deck or hiking trails you can plan a date night with their on-site fine dining restaurant that features live local music weekly. We enjoyed crab cakes, perfectly cooked steak, and even a couple of craft cocktails. If you want to cook for yourself, you can schedule to have your groceries delivered right to the parking lot from Kroger! We weren’t kidding when we said you may never want to leave the property.
If that isn’t enough, Black Prong has something we have never seen at another RV resort: accommodations for horses! They have on property riding courses, arenas, and equestrian trails. You can bring your horse with you to stay in a stable or rent a cabin with attached horse stalls and climate-controlled tack room. If you don’t have your own horse, you can schedule a guided trail ride through the forest during your stay.
If you are looking for a place to slow down and unwind Florida’s Nature Coast delivers. Whether you prefer the springs or forest, swimming with manatees, or riding horses, you won’t regret planning a trip to this hidden gem destination.
